Michigan Bill Aims to Mandate Long-Term Brain Injury Treatment Coverage

A new bill in the Michigan House of Representatives aims to require commercial health insurance plans to provide long-term coverage for brain injuries caused by diseases, strokes, and falls.

Tom Judd, the executive director of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council, emphasized that many insurance plans impose annual limits on medical treatments, including treatments for brain injuries. He argued that these limits are not suitable because brain injuries vary in severity and often require chronic care throughout a person’s life.

Judd explained that brain injuries should be recognized as chronic conditions, unlike a one-time injury such as a broken bone. He stated that they need a different approach to rehabilitation.

The bill also mandates coverage for services that many plans currently do not include. These services may consist of neurocognitive testing, speech therapy, and rehabilitation in residential treatment centers.

Judd pointed out that this bill is inspired by a law in Texas, which has been effective for nearly ten years. He noted that it improved access to services and quality of life for brain injury patients without significantly increasing costs for insurance.

The Michigan Association of Health Plans is currently reviewing the proposed bill.